Dragons farewell Wayne Cripps

Will aSHCROFT

For both on field performance and leadership I had areas to grow at the beginning of the year. With the guidance and knowledge Crippa had, he helped propel me into improving in these areas.

One thing that stood out for me was how well Crippa was able to unite the team and bring out the best in each individual. He always spent time with each player whether it be on the training track or watching vision to ensure everyone was improving and getting the most out of themselves.

charlie clarke

Crippa has been my favourite coach by a mile, his passion for the team and for us to be better and successful has been great. For me personally, he has helped me so much this season, he’s easy going, someone you can have a conversation with, have a laugh with, but also knows how to get the best out of everyone, especially me. He’s very deserving of the role that he has just got at the Giants and I have no doubt that he will have a long and successful future within the AFL system.

hARRY sHEEZEL

He was great for me because he was really honest. From the first time I met with him he was really clear on what he thought I was capable of and how I could maximise my potential this year. His honesty with what I was doing well and what I could improve on helped me massively because I knew everything he said was true and I could go away with a really clear message and get to work to try and improve. He was probably the most knowledgeable coach I’ve ever had - his understanding of how the other team wanted to play and how we could counter was a major reason why we won the flag I reckon. It just felt like every week the game plan he had for us especially in the finals worked and he made it really clear and achievable in our meetings so then we could go out and do it on game day.

olli hotton

Crippa was an excellent coach, not only for me but I can say that confidently on behalf of the entire squad. Personally, he was at the forefront of kick starting a more confident playing style for me and always assured that he had full faith in my ability and helped me to play to the strengths that he had identified within me. He had a very good blend of being a relaxed and fun coach but also the ability to crack down when he needed a kick up the backside. Crippa deserves any and every opportunity that comes his way after such a stellar year that came with a lot of hard work and sacrifice. All the best for the future Wayne, appreciate everything you’ve done for me

keely coyne

By far the best coach I have had. Crippa’s ongoing support not only during my time at the dragons but particularly after, going above and beyond to help me juggle Year 12 whilst playing AFLW has been massive. Exemplifying his selfless character, he’s always up for a chat and never once has he ever hesitated to help me out or give me advice, showing exactly why he will succeed in his next chapter. Cannot thank him enough for the time and effort he put in to get the best out of me and the never ending banter. Wishing him all the best, and hope for GWS’ sake, they never have to witness him dancing and clicking to Wagon Wheel!!

james creighton

Crippa was a great coach because of the amount of work behind the scenes he put in for his players and staff. He would be constantly cutting vision both team and individually and preparing us the best he could for next game. Crippa helped me massively by putting in the work with me behind the scenes with extra reps before training with various drills as well as sitting down regularly to watch film and figure out ways to improve, which cut into his family time which shows how much of a dedicated person he is to help others.

Nathan scollo

Crippa, massive congrats on getting the job at the Giants, couldn’t have gone to a more deserving coach and an even better bloke. Thank you for believing in me as a player and also challenging me this year on the field and as a person, especially at times when I needed to hear it. Your knowledge of the game is second to none and the way you communicate and get the best out of your players is something special. Wishing you the best of luck over in Sydney, you will be dearly missed at the Dragons and at Public House!

eLLA SCIBERRAS

From the onset of the 2022 season, Crippa made it very clear he was passionate and keen about the girls program; disregarding the fact he was joining the team that was his previous rival. I particularly value and respect Crippa for the effort he put into helping me achieve my goals for the season, even setting aside time in the Christmas break for me and a handful of the girls to do some one on one work. His creativity was never at a halt either, with funny presentations and game day montages, Crippa always found ways to get us laughing and smiling. Across the boys and girls programs we’re all grateful to have had Crippa join the Dragons, though his time here was short he definitely made a positive contribution to the club and I hope he is able to develop further as a coach with the Giants.

MEG WEBSTER

Crippa was a great coach, he was very knowledgeable at his job and knew a lot about Football. You could come to him with any questions and he’d know exactly how to answer them. He built a great relationship between all the girls and all of us got really close because of it.